16593 Piney Hills Dr., Bldg. 4109

Pershing Community Center is the information center for Fort Leonard Wood recreation resources. We offer a variety of rooms for your personal or professional functions such as catered events, weddings, special events, training and classes. The community recreation center is also the home of Installation Wide Events and the BlackJack Bar & Grill.

BlackJack Bar & Grill

BlackJack Bar & Grill is the perfect place on Fort Leonard Wood to relax and have fun with a casual atmosphere. Enjoy dining and drinks, plus a pool table, darts, several big screen TV's and great music. BlackJack hosts many special events such as NFL Games, UFC Fights, Mardi Gras, Cinco De Mayo, St. Patrick's Day and many more celebrations.

Conferences & Catering

The Pershing Community Center is a welcoming and efficient host to countless luncheons, large dinner parties, cocktail buffets and small seminars.

Amazing Staff
Our knowledgeable team takes pride in the utmost attention to details and a sincere desire to make your experience a complete success.

Create the Perfect Event
Consider hosting your next function at this extraordinary venue. Every event at Pershing Conference and Catering is where delicious food, unique spaces and fascinating history come together.

Our experienced Catering Coordinator can assist you in selecting the perfect appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages to meet your tastes and budget. View the Catering Guide (PDF) or call +1 (573)329-2455 for more information.

History of John "BlackJack" Pershing

John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing was one of America's most famous Army officers. Pershing was born in Missouri on September 13, 1860. He graduated from West Point in 1886 and served in the Spanish-American War, the Philippines Insurrection, the Mexican Expedition and, was the overall American Commander in Europe during World War I.

Following the war, he served as Army Chief of Staff.

He died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington on July 15, 1948. His funeral service, one of only a handful ever held at the Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery, was attended by thousands of American citizens as well as by the leaders of government and the military. He was buried, as was his wish, under a simple white gravestone in Section 34 of Arlington National Cemetery, near the grave sites of his "Doughboys" from World War I.

Nickname BlackJack:

During the years 1895 to 1896, Pershing was assigned to the 10th Cavalry, a unit of the Buffalo Soldiers in Montana. His nickname, "Black Jack" dates from this service. It became both a subtle accolade, and derogation to the Buffalo Soldiers he fought with and praised. General Pershing's time spent leading black soldiers significantly affected him throughout his military career. He remained deeply concerned with their well-being and was instrumental in getting the black organizations into combat rather than being relegated to support operations in the rear.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John J. Pershing, Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against hostile fanatical Moros at Mount Bagsak, Jolo, Philippine Islands, on June 15, 1913.

Brigadier General Pershing personally assumed command of the assaulting line at the most critical period when only about 15 yards from the last Moro position. His encouragement and splendid example of personal heroism resulted in a general advance and the prompt capture of the hostile stronghold.